Recently I’ve had one of those late afternoon carpools that lands you just far enough from home that it makes sense just to bide your time until pick up instead of more drive time. I’ve been finding different local forest preserves where I can take a walk and I’ve been reminded just how much nature inspires my design work.
Read moreStudio Renovation Progress - Slowly but Surely
Back in December when we first started putting elbow grease, love and money into our new studio, I had grand visions of a completed space in time for summer. We’ve come a long way - but there is a ways to go.
Read moreOur Top Picks for Summer Reading
Whether it is pool side, lake side, beach side or just in between carpools, we are hoping for a few slower moments this summer to sit and read - to get to our “to be read” pile. Here is a range of serious, heartbreaking, fun and funny reads.
Read moreThe Artists that Inspire Us: Laddie Neil
Through a group on Instagram, we found a young artist from South Carolina, Laddie Neil. She paints abstract landscapes with fresh and uplifting color stories. We were drawn to her work because it is both compelling and peaceful.
Read moreA Look Inside the Advantages of the Collaboration between Designers and Builders
When we help clients through a major build, there are so many pieces of the puzzle that are simplified thanks to a synergy with a building team. This synergy is honestly worth its weight in gold and we’ll explain how it helps here.
Read moreKitchen Confidential: Featured in Modern Luxury CS
Modern Luxury CS interviewed our clients and our team about this beautiful kitchen remodel that blends a modern Italian aesthetic with a Craftsman style home.
Read more5 Tips for Outdoor Living
As the flowers pop up in the spring, so too do the casual outdoor gatherings, the back yard barbecues and the family get togethers that this year - just feel safer outside. No doubt, gathering outside this year is even more appealing than in years past. And, with the temps climbing, we’re hoping to spend more and more time outside.
Read moreA Peak Behind The Lead Times in the Design Industry
We’ve spent a lot of time telling our lovely clients that their furniture, wallpaper, lighting - you name it - is backordered or delayed. If it helps you to understand the vagaries of the marketplace and how Covid has complicated the supply chain, please read along!
Read moreThe Artists that Inspire Us: Marissa Voytenko
Rachel first met Marissa through mutual friends at a holiday party years ago. After learning about her work and process, she asked to borrow a piece for our studio. We are excited to share her insights and several of her beautiful pieces here.
Read moreAn Update on our Studio Renovation
As we shared at the end of 2020, our plans for 2021 include a new studio for Two Hands to call home. We have officially moved and are in the midst of making our new studio into all that we know it can be. Here, we’ll share with you all the fun of Phase I.
Read moreMid-Century Modern Country Club Vibes Bring Style and Function to an Unfinished Basement
This newer build home provided a wide open playground with tall ceilings - and of course, plenty of HVAC runs to accommodate. When the client shared her style hopes for the space, we knew the potential and inspiration could come together for something special.
Read moreLiving with Color: Tips to Weave Color Throughout Your Home
When it comes to how much color you prefer to live with in your home, there are maximalists and minimalists and then a whole lot of in between. Saving the minimalist’s approach for another post, let's dive into how to use color throughout your home.
Read moreDesigner Friday: An ASPIRE Exclusive Interview With Rachel Alcorn
In an interview with Aspire Design and Home, we get to learn more about Rachel's past, her passions and her perspective – a fun delve into getting to know Rachel better.
Read moreHow to Shop for Furniture: Tips Shared with Consumer Reports
Along with other interior design experts, Rachel shared her tips and suggestions to help anyone shopping for furniture and precautions for certain pieces that are better suited for seeing in-person.
Read moreA Reflection on 2020 and Exciting News for 2021
You guys, 2020 has been a doozy. Much has been written about this truly crazy year - it’s been fodder for great memes, hilarious insta-posts and unending metaphors about dumpster fires and the apocalypse.
Read moreHow Best to Set up your Home as the Pandemic Drags On: Interview On MPR Radio
Providing tips, tricks and insights into how to make our homes work harder for us this year, Rachel chatted with Angela Davis of MPR on her live radio show. Tune in to hear Rachel share advice on all things decorating.
Read moreDeck the Halls with Holiday Decorating Ideas
Adding holiday cheer to our homes is one way we celebrate the season and sprinkle all the good vibe reminders throughout our daily lives. In this post, we pull together our 12 days of Holiday Decorating Tips and hope it helps inspire some joy.
Read moreA Historic Craftsman gets a European Influenced Update
When two childhood sweethearts reconnected and created a new blended family of 8, the search for the perfect home began. This home needed to accommodate their large family for everything from an everyday family dinner to a special holiday event.
Read moreThanksgiving Table Inspiration
While Thanksgiving may be a little different this year, we’re always excited to have our family around the table. For a little inspiration, we’ve pulled together a few tables that we’d love to gather around.
Read moreThe Art of Creating a Beautiful Interior While Keeping the Budget in Check
An unlimited budget is of course an interior designer’s dream - it simplifies things dramatically. No limits, the world is your oyster and you can focus on thrilling the client and hitting the timeline. But, let’s be real - nobody really has an unlimited budget - it’s all relative.
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